Sydney Curfew & Lockouts Come Into Effect This Month
After being rushed through NSW Parliament last Friday, a statement from NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell today confirms that the 1:30am lockouts, 3am last drinks, and statewide closure of bottle shops from 10pm will officially come into force on Monday 24th February.
The tough liquor reforms are part of a raft of strict legislative changes introduced in a bid to reduce the wave of alcohol-related violence in the Sydney CBD’s ‘Entertainment precinct’. The reforms were originally scheduled to come into effect in April 2014 but have been moved forward. “Venues and patrons now have time to ensure they are fully aware of these changes and are ready when they take effect on 24 February,” said Premier O’Farrell.
“The NSW Government makes no apologies for these tough measures – businesses and patrons will need to adjust to the changes because improving the safety and amenity of the CBD is in everyone’s interests,” Mr O’Farrell said. “I expect the vast majority of venues will do the right thing and implement the new trading conditions without incident. However, any failure to comply can result in fines of up to $11,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 12 months.”
The live music sector has already voiced its opposition to the tough legislative reforms, triggering the formation of the Sydney Late Night Culture Alliance, with a mission statement to ‘Keep Sydney Open!’ Premier O’Farrell says NSW Police and OLGR inspectors will be enforcing compliance with the new restrictions, “their job will be made much easier with full cooperation from venues and patrons,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Music App Revenues Up 77%
Music app revenues grew by 75% in 2013 making them the biggest money-earner on iOS and Android platforms behind games and social networking last year. The third place position also sees music app rising from #7 in 2012. Internet radio service Pandora was the most successful music app worldwide, while other high revenue earners included Rdio, Deezer, Apple’s GarageBand, Smule’s Magic Piano, Ultimate Guitar Tabs, and Slacker Radio. (via HypeBot)
Cooking Vinyl Signs Two Aussie Artists
Cooking Vinyl Australia has signed Melbourne rockers Calling All Cars and singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke as part of a batch of new signings. Calling All Cars have just announced a massive Australian tour in honour of their third album Raise The People, kicking off this March. The same month will see the release of Kate Miller-Heidke’s fourth album O Vertigo!, funded entirely by fans on PledgeMusic in three days following the singer-songwriter going independent last year. The record features guest artists Passenger, Megan Washington, and Drapht – on first single ‘Drama’ (out 14th February). (via TheMusicNetwork)
Annandale Owners Purchase Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel
Following on from the return the Lansdowne Hotel to the Sydney live music scene after a fire damaged the venue last year, the pub has now been sold to the Oscars Hotel Group, the owners of fellow Sydney establishment, The Annandale Hotel. Oscars reportedly purchased the Lansdowne for $6.2 million and believed to have taken over the venue this week, from Tuesday 4th February, as it expands its venue folio. Meanwhile, refurbishments on the Annandale that started late last year continue. (via TheMusic)
Universal Music Publishing Sign Elizabeth Rose
Sydney electro artist Elizabeth Rose has inked a deal with Universal Music Publishing Australia for an exclusive worldwide agreement off the back of the singer-songwriter’s just released self-titled EP. The FBi ‘Next Big Thing’ award winner says “2014 is going to be a busy year” devoted to international touring as she prepares for her full-length debut album.
(Photo: Andrew Linturn. Source: Wolfmother @ Oxford Art Factory)
